Ogun State Police rescue 11 Ghanaians held hostage in Sagamu visa scam

The Ogun State Police Command in Nigeria has successfully rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals who were being held hostage in Sagamu after being lured by a fraudulent travel scheme. The group, consisting of seven males and four females, was reportedly deceived with false promises of securing visas for travel to Canada and Spain. The rescue operation was carried out by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit on October 19, 2026, following the receipt of actionable intelligence regarding the location of the victims.

Investigations revealed that each of the 11 victims had paid GH‵40,000 to a criminal network, amounting to a total of GH‵440,000 for the promised overseas travel. Instead of receiving their travel documents, the victims were detained against their will in Sagamu while the syndicate sought to exploit them further. The Anti-Kidnapping Unit is currently pursuing the members of the criminal network responsible for the scam and the subsequent hostage-taking.

Following the rescue, the Ogun State Police Command issued a public advisory, urging individuals to be cautious of recruitment offers and travel opportunities that appear too good to be true. Authorities emphasized the importance of verifying all visa processes through official and legitimate channels to avoid falling prey to the growing number of international travel syndicates operating within the region.

As the investigation into the criminal network continues, the police have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling human trafficking and fraud syndicates. The rescued Ghanaian nationals are expected to undergo further processing before being repatriated to Ghana. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges posed by cross-border criminal activities and the need for heightened vigilance among citizens seeking opportunities abroad.